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A small group of EDL protesters walked among the throng of shoppers chanting: "We love our country."

The sight of a Union flag inflamed supporters of the UAF, causing large numbers of protesters to go in search of the culprit.

Small-scale disruption took place on the streets of the city centre, causing riot officers wearing hard helmets and carrying batons to go running after suspects.

James Carter, 23, from Chorlton, Manchester, said: "I'm down here to stop the Nazis. I think the turnout on this side (UAF) symbolises the perception of Manchester and how we feel about racism."

UAF demonstrators accused the police of protecting fascists after they were prevented from removing a barrier in Piccadilly Gardens.

Earlier police issued a stern message to troublemakers.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: "If people come to Manchester to protest they are legally entitled to do so.

"As soon as they step over the line between lawful protest then we will be taking positive action against those individuals.

"If you are going to come to Manchester and think you can get away with shouting racist, inflammatory remarks, you can expect us to respond."

EDL demonstrators planned to meet in Piccadilly Gardens at 5pm, with an address by an "expert speaker", followed by a two-minute silence for soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The national anthem was also going to be sung.

The organisation denies it is racist and insists in a statement on its website that it is a "multi-ethnic, multi-faith organisation".

Mr Donnellan said there would be a "significant spotting operation" for known troublemakers with backup from CCTV.

Four men were arrested even before the demonstrations began.

Three were arrested in Manchester city centre on suspicion of public disorder and one on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

A 39-year-old man, who was believed to be travelling to Manchester, was arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of distributing racially aggravated material and possessing cocaine.